□□ 


A BRIEF  ACCOUNT 


OP 


THE  DISCOVERY,  PROPERTIES,  &c. 


OF 


Gutta  Perclia,  from  the  moment  of  its  introduction  into 
this  country,  as  an  article  of  manufacture,  has  excited  a 
steadily  growing  curiosity  in  the  public  mind  to  know  some- 
thing of  its  history,  its  nature  and  capabilities.  It  is  now 
felt  by  the  American  Gutta  Percha  Company  to  be  time  to 
satisfy,  in  some  degree,  this  curiosity.  To  this  end  the  few 
following  pages  will  be  devoted ; and  in  what  will  be  said, 
the  aim  will  be  to  give  a succinct  and  reliable  account  of 
this  article. 


Discovery  of  Oiitta  Percha. 


Gutta  Percha,  like  many  other  of  the  most  valuable 
substances  and  agents  in  nature,  was  discovered  by  acci- 
dent. The  merit  of  the  discovery  is  due  to  Dr.  W.  Mont- 
gomerie, of  England.  He  received,  in  1845,  the  gold  medal 
of  the  Society  of  Arts  in  London,  for  his  valuable  service  in 
introducing  it  to  the  British  Public. 

As  far  back  as  1822,  when  on  duty  at  Singapore  as 
assistant-surgeon  to  the  Residency,  he  accidentally  heard 
the  name  of  the  substance,  and  was  led  to  make  some  in- 


2 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


quilies  concerning  it ; but  it  was  not  till  1842  that  be  met 
with  any  success.  While  at  Singapore  he  observed  on  one 
occasion,  in  the  hands  of  a Malayan  woodsman,  the  handle 
of  a parang  made  of  a material  quite  new  to  him,  and 
which  appeared  to  be  very  different  from  Caoutchouc,  to 
which  his  attention  had  hitherto  been  mainly  directed.  On 
inquiry  he  found  that  it  was  made  of  a substance  which  the 
natives  called  Gutta  Percha.  Having  subjected  it  to  expe- 
riment, he  speedily  discovered  many  of  its  valuable  proper- 
ties; and  at  once  concluded  that  if  procurable  in  large 
quantities,  it  would  become  extensively  useful,  and  would  in 
a great  degree  supplant  the  use  of  Caoutchouc.  This  con- 
clusion induced  him  to  forward  specimens  of  the  Gutta 
Percha  to  the  Asiatic  Society  of  Bengal,  and  to  the  Society 
of  Arts  in  London. 

When  Dr.  Montgomerie  made  his  inquiries  in  1842,  this 
substance  was  quite  unknown  to  the  people  at  Malacca  and 
Sumatra.  The  Gutta  Percha  tree  grows  abundantly  in  the 
island  of  Singapore  and  in  the  dense  forests  at  the  extremity 
of  the  Malayan  Peninsula ; also  in  Sarawak,  and  probably  all 
over  the  island  of  Borneo.  The  tree  is  one  of  the  largest 
found  in  the  eastern  forests : its  wood  is  seldom  used,  but 
an  edible  oil  is  procurable  from  the  fruit,  which  the  natives 
use  with  their  food. 

Properties  of  Gutta  Perclia. 

The  name  is  purely  Malayan,  gutta, meaning  the  gum 
or  concrete  juice  of  a plant,  and  “ percha, the  particular 
tree  from  which  this  is  procured.  The  ch  is  not  pronounc- 
ed hard  like  a k,  but  like  the  ch  in  the  English  name  of  the 
fish,  perch.  Gutta  Percha  is  imported  in  oblong  masses, 
which  are  formed  by  rolling  thin  layers  of  it  together  in  a 
soft  state.  As  imported,  oving  to  the  careless  manner  in 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


3 


which  it  is  collected,  it  is  mixed  with  fragments  of  bark, 
wood,  leaves  and  other  impurities ; but  when  pure  it  is  in 
thin  slices,  semi-transparent,  excessively  tough,  having 
much  the  appearance  of  horn.. 

At  ordinary  temperatures  it  is  non- elastic,  and  as  hard 
as  wood.  At  an  elevated  temperature  it  becomes  slightly 
elastic.  From  200  to  212  Fahrenheit,  it  is  rendered  ex- 
cessively ductile,  and  in  this  condition  may  be  worked  into 
any  form,  which  it  retains  without  contraction  after  cooling, 
when  it  again  acqubes  its  original  hardness.  The  Gutta 
Percha  is  soluble,  but  not  by  the  same  agents  as  India 
Rubber.  The  fixed  oils  and  indeed  all  unctuous  substances 
have  no  influence  upon  it.  This  property  renders  it  very 
valuable  for  purposes  of  machinery,  where,  when  used  for 
driving  bands,  as  it  is  most  extensively,  it  is  constantly 
brought  in  contact  with  oils  and  grease. 

Some  have  entertained  the  erroneous  impression  that 
the  Gutta  Percha  is  quite  the  same  as  Caoutchouc,  whereas 
it  differs  from  it  in  every  important  particular,  and  is  capa- 
ble of  a vastly  wider  application  in  all  the  useful  and  orna- 
mental arts.  Gutta  Percha  will  not,  like  Caoutchouc,  after 
being  extended,  return  to  its  original  size.  The  action  of 
boiling  water  upon  all  the  specimens  of  India  Rubber,  even 
the  non- elastic  varieties,  is  to  soften  the  mass  and  to  render 
it  so  extremely  adhesive  that  it  is  impossible  to  work  it  into 
any  permanent  shape  whatever.  The  Caoutchouc  remains 
in  this  viscid  state  for  some  time,  when  it  hardens  and  be- 
comes pliable.  On  the  contrary,  the  Gutta  Percha  when 
softened  by  the  action  of  boiling  water,  exhibits  no  sticki- 
ness, and  can  in  this  state  be  rolled  out  into  the  thinnest 
sheets,  and  on  exposure  to  a cooler  temperature,  it  regains 
its  original  toughness  and  flexibility. 


4 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


The  Capabilities 

Of  Gutta  Percha  in  the  useful  and  ornamental  arts  are  un- 
bounded. There  is  no  conceivable  limit  to  its  application. 
Scarce  a day  elapses  but  some  new  modes  of  employing  it 
are  discovered  by  those  engaged  in  its  manufacture. 
Things  of  strength,  things  of  utility,  things  of  safety,  things 
of  beauty,  all  come  within  its  range.  The  utmost  surprise 
and  gratification  have  been  uniformly  expressed  by  those 
who  have  examined  the,  as  yet,  but  partially  exhibited  re- 
sult of  the  labors  of  the  American  Gutta  Percha  Company. 

All  concur  in  the  opinion,  that  the  Public  may  look  for- 
ward to  a time  not  far  distant,  when  this  substance  will, 
from  its  cheapness,  its  durability,  and  the  facility  with 
which  it  may  be  worked,  vastly  multiply  the  comforts  of 
life,  and  bring  within  the  reach  of  the  man  of  taste,  how- 
ever limited  his  means,  forms  of  elegance  and  fac  similes  of 
the  productions  of  genius,  which  it  would  not  otherwise  be 
possible  for  him  to  enjoy. 

In  addition  to  the  numerous  useful  and  important  ap- 
plications of  the  Gutta  Percha,  it  may  be  manufactured  by 
“ moulding,  stamping,  embossing,  casting,  or  any  other 
known  process  or  processes,  into  various  articles  of  use  ; as 
glass  and  picture  frames,  cornices,  mouldings  and  other  ar- 
chitectural ornaments,  pannelling,  mosaics,  <fec,”  in  a word, 
it  may  be  worked  into  any  form,  and  almost  any  color  may 
be  given,  from  the  simplest  to  the  most  complex.  Cornices 
of  the  most  elaborate  designs,  in  imitation  of  several  kinds 
of  wood,  are  manufactured  of  it ; and  from  the  toughness  of 
the  material,  even  the  most  delicate  representations  of  foliage 
are  not  liable  to  injury.  Copies  of  old  oak  paneling  taken 
in  the  Gutta  Percha,  have  preserved  every  trace  of  the 
original ; the  grain  of  the  wood,  its  abrasion  by  age,  its 
color  and  pattern,  and  all  with  the  utmost  fidelity.  Im- 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


5 

preSbions  taken  from  coins  and  medallions  are  really  beauti- 
ful ; and  statues  may  be  copied  by  it  witli  great  truth  and 
at  a comparatively  small  cost.  But  fully  to  describe  its 
capabilities,  would  be  to  quote  at  length  the  specifications 
of  the  numerous  Patents  by  which  its  manufacture  is  gua- 
ranteed to  the  American  Gutta  Percha  Company. 

Having  remarked  upon  the  discovery,  the  properties  and 
capabilities  of  Gutta  Percha,  it  may  be  well  to  say  some- 
thing relative  to  the  history  of  its  introduction  as  an  article 
of  manufacture  into  England  and  this  country..  This  is  felt 
to  be  the  more  necessary  from  the  fact  that  attempts  have 
been  made  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic  to  mislead  the  Public. 

Gutta  Percha  was  first  introduced,  into  England  for 
purposes  of  manufacture,  by  Richard.  Archibald  Brooman, 
of  London.  To  him  letters  Patent  were  granted  for  some 
of  its  applications  in  1844  and  1845.  Others  v/erc  grant- 
ed May  20th,  1845,  to  Christopher  Nickles,  for  its  ap- 
plication to  book-binding,  &c.  May  29th,  1845,  Letters 
Patent  were  granted  to  Charles  Keene  of  London,  for  its 
application  to  boots,  shoes,  hats  and  all  articles  of  wear- 
ing apparel.  September  4th,  1846,  Letters  Patent  were 
granted  to  a Quaker  of  Dublin,  by  the  name  of  Bewley, 
for  its  application  to  the  manufacture  of  flexible  syringes, 
tubes,  bottles,  hose  and  articles  of  a similar  description. 
Three  Letters  Patent,  dated  January  12th,  1846,  May  15th, 
1846,  and  February  15th,  1847,  were  granted  to  Charles 
Hancock,  of  London,  for  the  manufacture  of'  machine  bands, 
cords,  &c.  For  the  first  two  years,  (1845  and  1847,)  after 
the  introduction  of  Gutta  Percha  as  an  article  of  commerce 
and  manufacture,  it  was  confined  to  England.  This  will  oc- 
casion no  surprise,  when  we  consider  the  shrewdness,  the 
energy  and  enterprise  with  which  the  article  was  managed 
by  the  English  Patentees.  As  soon  as  it  was  discovered 
that  Gutta  Percha  had  any  value  for  manufactiu  ing  purpo- 


6 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


ses,  the  Dublin  Quaker  and  others  purchased  all  the  patents 
in  England,  formed  a gigantic  company,  enlisting  in  it  many 
members  of  the  East  India  Company,  and  at  once  com- 
menced the  manufacture  of  Gutta  Percha  in  all  its  branches. 
This  Company  immediately  applied  for  Letters  Patent  in 
France,  Germany  and  the  United  States.  So  that  scarce 
had  the  name  of  the  article  reached  the  public  ear,  before 
a vast  monopoly,  with  one  of  the  richest  banking  houses  in 
England  at  its  head,  was  formed.  This  rapidity  of  move- 
ment and  abundance  of  capital  were  necessary  to  secure 
the  end  the  Company  had  in  view ; namely,  to  monopolize 
not  only  the  manufacture  of  Gutta  Percha,  but  also  the  raw 
material.  For  this  purpose  they  established  their  agencies 
at  Singapore,  and,  in  connection  with  the  East  India  Com- 
pany, planted  them  along  the  entire  length  of  the  Malayan 
coast.  All  this  was  accomplished  ere  a word  reached  this 
side  of  the  Atlantic.  To  this  statement  there  is  one  ex- 
ception; for  as  early  as  May,  1846,  William  S.  Wetmore, 
Esq.  an  eminent  merchant  of  the  City  of  New-York,  re- 
ceived from  one  of  his  agents  at  Singapore  a few  bundles 
of  whips  made  by  the  natives  of  that  country.  Always 
distinguished  for  sagacity  and  enterprise  in  his  business 
movements,  this  gentleman  became  at  once  exceedingly 
anxious  to  know  more  of  this  substance.  Himself  a pioneer 
of  the  island  of  Borneo,  and  well  acquainted  with  the  re- 
sources of  that  and  the  neighboring  islands,  he  immediately 
ordered  his  agents  to  purchase  the  raw  material  and  ship  it 
to  the  United  States. 

In  the  smnmer  of  1846  Samuel  T.  Armstrong,  of  New- 
York  city,  well  known  for  his  numerous  and  important  con- 
tributions to  the  useful  arts,  received  from  one  of  the  Di- 
rectors of  the  East  India  Company  specimens  of  Gutta 
Percha,  in  its  crude  and  manufactured  state,  with  an  invita- 
tion to  visit  London,  for  the  purpose  of  effecting  some  ar- 


GUTTA  PERCH  A. 


7 


rangement  with  that  Company,  by  which  the  article  might 
be  introduced  into  the  United  States.  Owing  to  engage- 
ments entered  into  with  the  American  government  Mr.  A. 
could  not  leave  for  London  till  the  month  of  March,  1847. 
He  arrived  in  England  about  the  first  of  April ; visited  all  the 
Gutta  Percha  manufactories  there  and  on  the  Continent, 
and  finally  made  arrangements  for  the  purchase  of  the  pa- 
tents granted  by,  or  to  be  granted  by,  the  United  States  to 
Brooman,  Hancock,  Bewley,  Keene  and  Nickle.  He  also 
effected  an  arrangement  with  the  mammoth  manopoly  in 
London  for  a supply  of  the  raw  material,  \vell  knowing 
that  without  such  an  arrangement  it  would  be  impossible 
for  any  man,  or  set  of  men,  to  undertake,  with  a prospect 
of  success,  the  manufacture  of  Gutta  Percha  in  this  coun- 
try. Mr.  Armstrong  returned  to  the  United  States  in  the 
fall  of  1847,  and  immediately  applied  himself  to  the  con- 
struction of  the  necessary  machinery.  This  being  accom- 
plished, he  at  once  began  the  manufacture  of  Gutta  Per- 
cha in  all  its  most  important  branches.  The  first  intimation 
which  reached  the  public  of  the  manufacture  of  Gutta  Per- 
cha in  the  United  States,  was  the  announcement  of  the  ar- 
riv^al  of  an  invoice  of  Gutta  Percha  from  London,  consigned 
to  S.  T.  Armstrong.  From  these  facts  it  will  be  seen,  that 
Mr.  A.  was  the  earliest  importer  of  Gutta  Percha,  as  an 
article  of  commerce  and  manufacture,  into  the  port  of  New- 
York,  and  the  first  manufacturer  of  the  article  in  the  United 
States.  The  first  Gutta  Percha  belt  used  in  this  country 
on  machinery  was  sold  by  Mr.  Armstrong  to  Messrs.  Com- 
ing, Horner  and  Co.  to  be  used  on  machinery  run  by  them 
at  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.  This  Company  at  once  saw  the  value 
and  superiority  of  the  article,  and,  with  their  customary 
promptness  an  business  matters,  immediately  introduced  it 
into  their  factories.  The  bands  were  then  introduced  at  the 
Allaire  works,  !by  James  P.  Allaire,  one  of  our  most  enter- 


8 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


prising  steainboiler  manufacturers.  They  were  next  used 
in  the  Secor  works.  The  business  has  thus  far  outnm  the 
most  sanguine  expectations  of  its  projector,  and  has  ad- 
vanced so  rapidly  as  now  to  require  an  enlargement  of 
the  original  basis  of  operations.  Its  capabilities  of  appli- 
cation to  so  many  of  the  staple  articles  of  our  country, 
aside  from  its  employment  in  the  department  of  the  orna- 
mental arts,  gives  to  its  manufacture  an  almost  boundless 
extent.  Something  may  be  judged  of  the  truth  of  this 
statement  by  running  the  eye  over  the  following  list  of 
articles,  which  by  no  means  exhausts  the  range  of  Gutta 
Percha  : 


Machine  Belts  and  Bauds, 

Gas  Pipes  and  Water  Pipes, 
Speaking  Pipes, 

The  Insulating  of  Telegraph 
Wires, 

Saddles  and  Harness  of  all  kinds, 
Trays,  Fancy  Boxes,  Tables, 
Pumps,  Boxes,  and  Valves, 
Book-binding,  Vellum,  Balls, 
Water-Proof  Roofing, 

Inkstands,  Drinking-cups, 

Canes,  Whips,  Flasks, 


Hats,  Caps,  Boots,  Shoes, 
Clothing,  Decorations  for  Houses 
and  Ship  Cabins, 

Chairs,  Lining  for  Bread  Casks 
for  sea  voyages. 

Air-tight  Coffins, 

Linings  for  Water  Tanks, 

Powder  Kegs,  for  the  transporta- 
tion of  Powder  in  water. 

Soda  Fountains,  Gasometers, 
Bottles,  Pictures,  and  Looking- 
glass  Frames. 


It  also  recommends  itself  to  the  attention  of  the  medical 
faculty  ; and  as  scientific  persons  give  the  subject  the  atten- 
tion that  humanity  demands,  it  will  be  found  to  possess 
•valuable  properties,  superior  for  many  purposes  to  any  other 
substance.  It  has  already  been  approved  for  bougies,  ca- 
theters, stethoscopes,  nipple-shells,  bandages,  and  splints. 
This  latter  article  is  invaluable  from  the  facility  with  which 
it  adapts  itself,  when  made  plastic  in  boiling  water,  to  the 


GUTTA  TERCHA. 


9 


form  of  the  limb ; for  preserving  the  strength  of  medicines 
of  a volatile  nature,  and  in  the  application  of  galvanism  or 
electricity  to  the  healing  art,  it  can  be  made  a valuable  agent, 
being  a perfect  non-conductor.  For  marine  and  national 
purposes,  the  field  is  most  extensive  ; as  an  inside  sheathing 
for  ships,  for  buoys,  and  beacons,  it  is  supposed  to  resist  for 
all  time  the  vermin  that  is  so  destructive  in  southern  wa- 
ters. Army  and  navy  equipments,  canvass,  deck  covers,  car- 
covers,  sails  and  rigging,  are  rendered  impervious  to  water 
and  dampness,  preventing  mildew  and  rot.  It  is  of  a light  co- 
lor, and  not  injured  by  climate  or  a tropical  sun.  For  cannon 
covers,  water  tanks,  life-boats,  and  many  other  applications, 
it  is  destined  to  supercede  metal  and  India  Rubber.  It  will 
also  be  found  superior  to  glue  in  its  adhesive  properties, 
and  to  the  gums  generally,  as  a basis  for  various  varnishes, 
sizings  and  paints,  being  weather-proof  and  not  liable  to 
crack. 

The  manufacture  of  all  these  and  similar  articles  is 
covered  by  Letters  Patent,  granted  by  the  government  of  the 
United  States.  The  business  is  carried  on  by  S.  T.  Arm- 
strong, Esq.  under  the  name  of  the  American  Gutta  Percha, 
Company.  The  capital  already  invested,  though  amounting 
to  nearly  fifty  thousand  dollars,  is  far  from  being  adequate. 
It  will  be  increased  during  the  present  season  to  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  or  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  ; and  then 
it  will  be  insufficient  to  meet  the  growing  demand  for  Guttii 
Percha  goods.  Nothing  short  of  the  establishment  of  fac- 
tories in  every  state,  similar  to  the  one  now  in  operation,  can 
meet  its  demand. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  but  its  introduction  into  this 
country  ought  to  be  regarded  as  a boon  of  the  highest  value, 
for  it  will  most  eflectually  aid  in  the  promotion  of  many  of 
the  arts  of  utility,  and  contribute  i:i  no  small  degree  to  the 
advancement  of  those  which  are  from  their  refined  eharac- 


10 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


ter  to  be  ranked  among  the  intellectual  manifestations  of  the 
age.  Liebig  has  said,  that  the  rapid  advance  of  organic 
chemistry  has  been  due  to  the  introduction  of  sheet  Car 
outchouc.  If  so,  why  may  not  it  and  other  sciences  be  ad- 
vanced by  the  use  of  material  which  is,  in  many  respects, 
superior  to  India  Rubber,  and  which  can  be  employed  where 
that  fails. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  SILLIMANS’  JOURNAL, 

Gutta  Percha  ; by  Thomas  Oxley,  Esq.  A.  B.  Senior 
Surgeon  of  the  Settlement  of  Prince  of  Wales’  Island,  Sin- 
gapore, and  Malacca,  (Journ.  Ind.  Archip.,  Singapore,  No. 
I,  1847,  p.  22.) — The  gutta  percha  tree,  or  gutta  tiiban  as 
it  ought  more  properly  to  be  called, — the  percha  producing 
a spurious  article, — belongs  to  the  natural  family  Sapoteae, 
but  differs  so  much  from  all  described  genera,  having  alli- 
ance with  both  Achras  and  Bassia,  but  differing  in  some 
essentials  from  both,  that  I am  disposed  to  think  it  is  enti- 
tled to  rank  as  a new  genus.  I shall  therefore  endeavor  to 
give  its  general  character,  leaving  the  honor  of  naming  it 
to  some  more  competent  botanist,  especially  as  I have  not 
quite  satisfied  myself  regarding  the  stamens  from  want  of 
specimens  for  observations. 

The  tree  is  of  large  size,  from  sixty  to  seventy  feet  in 
height,  and  from  two  to  three  feet  in  diameter.  Its  general 
appearance  resembles  the  genus  Durio,  or  well  known  Doo- 
lian,  so  much  so  as  to  strike  the  most  superficial  observer. 
The  under  surface  of  the  leaf,  however,  is  of  a more  reddish 
and  decided  brown  than  in  the  Durio,  and  the  shape  is 
somewhat  different.  The  ffowers  are  axillary,  from  one  to 
three  in  the  axils,  supported  on  sho't  curved  pedicles,  and 


GUTTA  PERCHA, 


11 


numerous  along  the  extremities  of  the  branches.  Calj-x-, 
inferior,  persistent,  coriaceous,  of  a brown  color,  divided  into 
six  sepals  which  are  arranged  in  double  series.  Corolla, 
monopetalous  hypogenous,  divided  like  the  calyx  into  six 
acuminate  segments.  Stamens,  inserted  in  the  throat  of  the 
corolla,  in  a single  series,  variable  in  number,  but,  to  the 
best  of  my  observation,  the  normal  number  is  twelve,  most 
generally  all  fertile,  anthers  supported  on  slender  bent  fila- 
ments, opening  by  two  lateral  pores.  Ovary,  superior,  ter- 
minated by  a long  simple  style,  six  celled,  each  cell  contain- 
ing one  seed.  Leaves  about  four  inches  in  length,  perfect, 
entire,  of  a coriaceous  consistence,  alternate,  obovate  lance- 
olate, upper  surface  of  a pale  green,  under  surface  covered 
with  close,  short,  reddish  brown  hairs.  Midrib  projects  a 
little,  forming  a small  process  or  beak. 

Every  exertion  of  myself  and  several  others  have  failed 
in  procuring  a specimen  of  the  fruit  of  the  gutta,  I regret 
being  compelled  to  omit  the  description  of  it  in  the  present 
instance,  but  hope  to  rectify  this  omissioii  in  some  future 
number  of  the  Journal.  It  is  quite  extraordinary  how  diffi- 
cult it  is  to  obtain  specimens  of  either  the  flow'er  or  fruit  of 
this  tree,  and  this  is  probably  the  reason  of  its  not  having 
been  earlier  recognized  and  described  by  some  of  the  many 
botanists  who  have  visited  these  parts. 

Only  a short  time  ago  the  tiiban  tree  was  tolerably 
abundant  on  the  Island  of  Singapore,  but  already  all  the 
large  timber  has  been  felled,  and  few,  if  any,  other  than 
small  plants  are  now  to  be  found.  The  range  of  its  growth,, 
however,  appears  to  be  considerable  ; it  being  found  up  all 
the  Malayan  Peninsula  as  far  as  Penang,  where  I have  as- 
certained it  to  be  abundant ; although  as  yet  the  inliabitants 
do  not  seem  to  be  aware  of  the  fact : several  of  the  mer- 
cantile houses  there  having  sent  down  orders  to  Singapore 
for  supplies  of  the  article,  when  they  have  the  me*ans  of 


12 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


supply  close  at  hand.  The  tree  is  also  found  in  Borneo, 
' and  I have  little  doubt  it  is  to  be  found  in  most  of  the  Islands 
adjacent. 

The  localities  it  particularly  likes  arc  the  alluvial  tracts 
along  the  foot  of  hills,  Avhere  it  flourishes  luxuriantly,  form- 
ing, in  many  spots,  the  principal  portion  of  the  jungle.  But 
notwithstanding  the  indigenous  character  of  the  tree,  its  ap- 
parent abundance,  and  wide  spread  diffusion,  the  gutta  will 
goon  become  a very  scarce  article,  if  some  more  provident 
means  be  not  adopted  in  its  collection  than  that  at  present 
in  use  by  the  Malays  and  Chinese. 

The  mode  in  which  the  natives  obtain  the  gutta  is  by 
cutting  down  the  trees  of  full  grow'th  and  ringing  the  bark 
at  distances  of  about  twelve  to  eighteen  inches  apart,  and 
placing  a cocoanut  shell,  spathe  of  a palm,  or  such  like  re- 
ceptacle, under  the  fallen  trunk  to  receive  the  milky  sap 
that  immediately  exudes  upon  every  fresh  incision.  This 
sap  is  collected  in  bamboos,  taken  to  their  houses,  and  boiled 
in  order  to  drive  off  the  watery  particles  and  inspissate  it  to 
the  consistence  it  finally  assumes.  Although  the  process  of 
boiling  appears  necessary  when  the  gutta  is  collected  in 
large  quantity,  if  a tree  be  freshly  wounded,  a small  quan- 
’ tity  allowed  to  exude,  and  it  be  collected  and  moulded  in 
the  hand,  it  wall  consolidate  perfectly  in  a few  minutes,  and 
have  all  the  appearance  of  the  prepared  article. 

When  it  is  quite  pure  the  color  is  of  a greyish  white,  but 
as  brought  to  market  it  is  more  ordinarily  found  of  a red- 
dish hue,  arising  from  chips  of  bark  that  fall  into  the  sap 
in  the  act  of  making  the  incisions,  and  which  yield  their 
color  to  it.  Besides  the  accidental  chips,  there  is  a great 
(leal  of  intentional  adulteration  by  sawdust  and  other  ma- 
terials. Some  specimens  I have  lately  seen  brought  to  mar- 
ket, could  not  have  contained  much  less  than  one-fourth 
of  impurities ; and  even  in  the  purest  specimens  I could 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


13 


obtain  for  surgical  purposes,  one  pound  of  tlie  substance 
yielded,  on  being  cleaned,  one  ounce  of  impurities.  Fortu- 
nately it  is  neither  difficult  to  detect  or  clean  the  gutta  of 
foreign  matter ; it  being  only  necessary  to  boil  it  in  water, 
until  well  softened,  roll  out  the  substance  into  thin  sheets, 
and  then  pick  out  all  impurities,  which  is  easily  done,  as  the 
gutta  does  not  adhere  to  any  thing,  and  all  foreign  matter 
is  merely  entangled  in  its  fibres,  not  incorporated  in  its  sub- 
stance. The  quantity  of  solid  gutta  obtained  from  each 
tree  varies  from  five  to  twenty  catties,*  so  that,  taking  the 
average  at  ten  catties,  which  is  a tolerably  liberal  one,  it 
will  require  the  destruction  of  ten  trees  to  produce  one  pi- 
cul. t Now  the  quantity  exported  from  Singapore  to  Great 
Britain  and  the  continent  from  1st  January,  1845,  to  the 
present  date,  amounts  to  6,918  piculs,  to  obtain  which, 
sixty-nine  thousand  one  hundred  and  eighty  trees  must  have 
been  sacrificed.  How  much  better  would  it  therefore  be  to 
adopt  the  method  of  tapping  the  tree,  practiced  by  the  Bur- 
mese in  obtaining  the  Caoutchouc  from  the  Ficus  elastica, 
(viz.  to  make  oblique  incisions  in  the  bark,  placing  theb  am- 
boos  to  receive  the  sap,  which  runs  out  freely,)  than  to  kill 
the  goose  in  the  manner  they  are  at  present  doing.  True, 
they  would  not  at  first  get  so  much  from  a single  tree,  but 
the  ultimate  gain  would  be  incalculable,  particularly  as  the 
tree  appears  to  be  one  of  slow  growth,  by  no  means  so 
rapid  as  the  Ficus  elastica.  J 

Properties  of  the  Gutta. — This  substance  when  fresh 
and  pure  is,  as  already  mentioned,  of  a dirty  white  color 

* A Cattie  is  one  and  one-third  pounds. 

t A Pical  weighs  1334  pounds,  or  100  catties. 

t The  English  company  have  employed  agents  to  instruct  the 
natives  as  to  the  best  method  of  collecting  the  sap,  and  we  are 
told  that  the  practice  of  cutting  down  the  treea  has  been  generally 
abandoned. 


14 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


and  a greasy  feel,  with  a peculiar  leathery  smell.  It  is  not 
affected  by  boiling^  alcohol,  but  dissolves  readily  in  boiling 
spirits  of  turpentine,  also  in  naptha  and  coal  tar.  A good 
cement  for  luting  bottles  and  other  purposes  is  formed  by 
boiling  together  equal  parts  of  gutta,  coal  tar  and  resin.  I 
am  indebted  for  this  hint  to  Mr.  Little,  surgeon,  and  the 
above  were  his  proportions.  I have,  however,  found  it  ne- 
cessary to  put  two  parts  of  the  gutta,  that  is  one-half  in-  ^ 
stead  of  one-third,  to  enable  the  cement  to  stand  the  heat 
of  this  climate.  When  required  for  use  it  can  always  be 
made  plastic  by  putting  the  pot  containing  it  over  the  fire 
for  a few  minutes.  Tlie  gutta  itself  is  highly  inflammable,  a 
strip  cut  off  takes  light,  and  bums  with  a bright  flame, 
emitting  sparks,  and  dropping  a black  residuum  in  the  man- 
ner of  scaling  wax,  which  in  its  combustion  it  very  much 
resembles.  But  the  great  peculiarity  of  this  substance,  and 
that  which  makes  it  so  eminently  useful  for  many  purposes, 
is  the  effect  of  boiling  w'ater  upon  it.  When  immersed  for 
a few  minutes  in  water  above  150®  Fah.,  it  becomes  soft 
and  plastic,  so  as  to  be  capable  of  being  moulded  to  any 
required  shape  or  form,  which  it  retains  upon  cooling.  If  a 
strip  of  it  be  cut  off  and  plunged  into  boiling  water,  it  con- 
tracts in  size  both  in  length  and  breadth.  This  is  a veiy 
anomalous  and  remarkable  phenomenon,  apparently  opposed 
to  all  the  laws  of  heat. 

It  is  this  plasticity  when  plunged  into  boiling  water  that 
has  allowed  of  its  being  applied  to  so  many  useful  purpo- 
ses, and  which  first  induced  some  Malays  to  fabricate  ■it 
into  whips,  which  were  brought  into  town  and  led  to  ite 
farther  notice.  The  natives  have  subsequently  extended 
their  manufactures  to  buckets,  basins  and  jugs,  shoes,  tra- 
ces, vessels  for  cooling  wine,  and  several  other  domestic 
uses ; but  the  number  of  patents  lately  taken  out  for  the 
manufacture  of  the  article  in  England  proves  how  much  at- 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


15 


tention  it  has  already  attracted,  and  how  extensively  useful 
it  is  likely  to  become.  Of  all  the  purposes,  however,  to 
which  it  may  be  adapted,  none  is  so  valuable  as  its  appli- 
cability to  the  practice  of  surgery.  Here  it  becomes  one  of 
the  most  useful  auxiliaries  to  that  branch  of  the  healing  art, 
which  of  all  is  the  least  conjectural.  Its  easy  plasticity  and 
power  of  retaining  any  shape  given  to  it  when  cool,  at  once 
pointed  it  out  as  suitable  for  the  manufacture  of  Bougies, 
and  accordingly  my  predecessor.  Dr.  W.  Montgomerie, 
availed  himself  of  this,  made  several  of  the  above  instni- 
ments,  and  recommended  the  use  of  it  to  the  Bengal  Medi- 
cal Board.  But,  like  many  other  good  hints,  for  want  of 
sufficient  inquiry,  I fear  it  was  disregarded.  The  practice, 
however,  has  been  continued  by  me,  and  I find  many  ad- 
vantages in  the  use  of  this  substance.  It  also  answers  very 
well  for  the  tubes  of  syringes,  which  are  always  getting  out 
of  order  in  this  country  when  made  of  Caoutchouc.  But 
my  late  experiments  have  given  it  a much  higher  value,  and 
proved  it  the  best  and  easiest  application  ever  yet  discover- 
ed in  the  management  of  fractures,  combining  ease  and 
comfort  to  the  patient,  and  very  much  lessening  the  trouble 
of  the  surgeon.  When  I think  of  the  farago  of  bandages 
and  splints  got  rid  of,  the  lightness  and  simplicity  of  the 
application,  the  gutta  would  be  no  trifling  boon  to  mankind 
were  it  to  be  used  solely  for  this  and  no  other  purpose. 
The  injuries  coming  under  my  observation,  wherein  I have 
tested  its  utility,  have,  as  yet,  only  been  two  compound 
fractures  of  the  leg,  and  one  of  the  jaw.  But  so  admirably 
has  it  not  only  answered,  but  exceeded  my  expectations, 
that  I should  think  myself  culpable  in  not  giving  the  facts 
early  publicity.  Its  utility  in  fracture  of  the  lower  jaw 
must  at  once  strike  any  surgeon.  So  well  does  it  mould 
itself  to  every  sinuosity,  that  it  is  more  like  giving  the  pa-t 
tient  a new  bone  than  a mere  support.  A man  lately 


16 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


brought  into  the  hospital,  who  had  his  lower  jaw  broken  by 
the  kick  of  a horse,  and  which  was  so  severe  as  to  cause 
hemorrhage  from  the  ears,  smashing  the  bone  into  several 
fragments,  was  able  to  eat  and  speak  in  three  days  after 
the  accident,  and  felt  so  well  with  his  gutta  splint  that  he 
insisted  on  leaving  the  hospital  within  ten  days.  My  mode 
of  applying  this  substance  to  the  fracture  of  the  leg  is  as 
follows : 

The  gutta  having  been  previously  rolled  out  into  sheets 
of  convenient  size,  and  about  one-fourth  of  an  inch  in  thick- 
ness, is  thus  kept  ready  for  use.  When  required,  a piece  of 
the  necessary  length  and  breadth  is  plunged  into  a tub  of 
boiling  water.  The  limb  of  the  patient  is  then  gently  raised 
by  assistants,  making  extension  in  the  usual  manner.  The 
surgeon,  having  ascertained  that  the  broken  bone  is  in  its 
place,  takes  the  sheet  of  gutta  out  of  the  hot  water,  and  al- 
lows it  to  cool  for  a couple  of  minutes.  It  is  still  soft  and 
pliable  as  wash  leather.  Place  it  whilst  in  this  state  under 
the  limb,  and  gently  lower  the  latter  down  on  it.  The  gut- 
ta is  then  to  be  brought  round  and  moulded  carefully  to  the 
whole  of  the  back  and  sides  of  the  leg,  bringing  the  edges 
close  together,  but -not  uniting  them.  If  there  be  any  super- 
fluous substance  it  ean  be  cut  off  with  a scissors,  leaving  an 
open  slit  down  the  front  of  the  leg.  You  have  now  the  leg  in 
a comfortable,  soft,  and  smooth  case,  which,  in  ten  minutes, 
will  be  stiff  enough  to  retain  any  shape  the  surgeon  may  have 
given  it,  and  which  will  also  retain  the  bone  in  place.  Place 
the  leg  so  done  up  on  a double  inclined  plane,  and  secure 
it  thereto  by  passing  three  of  the  common  loop  bandages 
around  the  whole, — that  is,  one  at  the  top,  one  in  the  mid- 
dle, and  one  at  the  lower  end.  Let  the  foot  be  supported 
by  a foot  board,  and  a case  of  gutta  put  over  the  dorsum 
of  the  foot,  to  bear  off  the  pressure  of  the  small  bandages 
generally  used  to  secure  it  to  the  board.  Having  done  this, 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


IV 

the  surgeon  need  not  cause  his  patient  another  tAvinge  of 
pain  until  he  thinks  he  can  use  the  leg,  or  he  deems  the 
bone  sufficiently  united  to  bear  the  weight  of  his  patient. 
If  it  be  a compound  fracture  it  will  only  be  necessary  to 
unite  the  loop,  bandages,  separate  the  edges  of  the  gutta 
splint  to  the  required  distance,  wash  and  cleanse  the  limb 
without  shifting  any  thing  except  the  dressings,  and  having 
done  so,  shut  it  up  again.  The  most  perfect  cleanliness  can 
be  maintained,  as  the  gutta  is  not  affected  by  any  amount 
of  ablution  ; neither  is  it  soiled  or  rendered  offensive  by  any 
discharge,  all  which  washes  off  as  easily  from  the  gutta 
case  as  from  oil  cloth.  I have  had  a patient  Avhere  the  tibia 
protruded  through  the  integuments  fully  two  inches,  walk- 
ing about  in  six  weeks  from  the  injury,  with  the  leg  as 
straight  and  well  formed  as  it  ever  had  been.  It  is  quite 
obvious  therefore  that  if  it  answers  so  Avell  for  compound,  it 
will  answer  equally,  if  not  better,  for  simple  fractures  ; and 
that  any  broken  bone  capable  of  receiving  mechanical  sup- 
port can  be  supported  by  the  gutta  better  than  by  any 
other  contrivance.  For  it  combines  lightness  and  smooth- 
ness, durability  and  a capability  of  adjustment,  not  possessed 
by  any  other  known  substance.  All  new  experiments  have 
to  run  the  gauntlet  of  opposition,  and  I do  not  suppose  that 
these  recommendations  will  prove  an  exception  to  the  rule ; 
but  all  I ask  of  any  surgeon  is  to  try  the  experiment  ere  he 
argues  on  its  propriety,  and  I feel  fully  convinced  that  all 
other  splints  and  bandages  will  be  consigned  to  the  tomb 
of  the  capulets.  There  are  some  other  uses  for  Avhich  I have 
tried  this  substance,  viz.  as  capsules  for  the  transmission 
of  the  vaccine  virus,  which  ought  to  keep  well  when  thus 
protected,  for  it  is  most  perfectly  and  hermetically  sealed. 
But  I have  not  had  sufficient  experience  in  this  mode  of 
using  it  to  pronounce  decidedly  on  its  merits.  I am  at  pre- 
sent trying  the  effects  of  it  on  ulcers,  by  enclosing  the  nice- 


18 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


rated  limb  in  a case  of  gutta  so  as  to  exclude  all  atmos- 
pheric air,  and,  so  far  the  experiment  promises  success. 

Since  writing  the  foregoing  observations  I have  had  an 
official  intimation  from  Penang  of  the  vaccine  virus  trans- 
mitted in  the  gutta  capsules  having  been  received  in  good 
order,  and  of  its  having  succeeded  most  satisfactoril3\  I 
have  also  opened  a capsule  containing  a vaccine  crust  that 
had  been  kept  here  for  one  month,  and  it  also  seems  to 
have  lost  none  of  its  efficacy,  as  the  case  inoculated  has 
taken.  This  will  appear  the  more  striking  when  it  is  recol- 
lected that  to  preserve  the  vaccine  virus  hitherto  in  Singa- 
pore, even  for  a few  days,  has  been  almost  impossible, — that 
this  settlement,  notwithstanding  every  exertion  on  the  part 
of  both  private  and  public  practitioners,  has  been  without 
the  benefit  of  this  important  prophylactic  for  an  interval 
sometimes  of  two  years, — and  that,  at  all  times,  the  obtain- 
ing and  transmitting  this  desirable  remedy  has  been  a cause 
of  trouble  and  difficulty  to  all  the  medical  officers  I have 
ever  met  with  in  the  straits.  ' 

“ The  interesting  electrical  property  of  Gutta  Percha, 
first  noticed  by  Faraday,  is  truly  wonderful. 

“ A piece  of  the  manufactured  thin  sheet  gum  cannot 
be  taken  from  a paper  in  which  it  has  been  wrapped,  with- 
out exhibiting  this  remarkable  property,  and  by  gentle  fric- 
tion with  a silk  handkerchief  a spark  is  readily  obtained 
from  it  of  an  inch  in  length. 

From  the  excellent  non-conducting  power  of  Gutta 
Percha,  it  is  likely  to  come  into  extensive  use  in  the  manu- 
facture of  electrical  apparatus,  and  it  has  already  been  em- 
ployed to  some  extent  for  insulating  the  wires  of  the  elec- 
tric magnetic  telegraph.”’ 


From  the  Albion  of  September,  1848. 

GUTTA  PERCHA. 

At  the  meeting  aboTe  alluded  to,  Mr.  Whishaw  read  a paper  giving  an  ex- 
planation of  the  various  applications  of  Gutta  Percha ; numerous  specimens 
of  which,  in  the  shape  of  thread,  cord,  tabular  staves,  driving  bands,  constables’ 
staves,  sticks,  M'hips,  inkstands,  medallions,  shields,  water  buckets,  stereotype 
plates,  and  almost  every  other  description  of  article,  both  useful  and  ornamental, 
were  pi-esent.  The  paper,  after  stating  that  gutta  percha  was  the  concrete  juice 
of  a large  tree  of  the  same  name,  abounding  in  Borneo,  &c.  obtained  by  tapping 
the  tree  periodically  by  the  Malays,  stated  that  its  introduction  into  this  country 
was  purely  accidental ; Dr.  Montgomery  having  transmitted  the  first  sample  of  it 
to  the  Society  of  Arts,  in  1843,  at  which  time  he  (Mr.  Whishaw)  was  secretary  to 
that  Society.  The  first  articles  of  use  made  of  guita  percha  in  this  country  were 
laid  before  the  Society  of  Arts  in  1844,  and  consisted  of  a lathe-band,  a short  length 
of  pipe,  and  a bottle-case,  which  he  had  himself  made  by  hand,  having  caused 
the  concrete  substance  to  become  sufficiently  plastic  by  immersing.it  in  hot  wa- 
ter. He  also  produced  casts  from  medals,  which  attracted  considerable  atten- 
tion at  the  time,  and  surgical  insti’uments  were  soon  after  made  of  this  new  ma- 
terial. It  was  also  adapted  to  commercial  uses  ; and  from  the  period  mentioned 
to  July  11,  in  the  present  year,  between  600  and  700  tons  had  been  imported  for 
the  Gutta  Percha  Company.  From  20  to  60  tons  were  now  regularly  imported 
every  month.  Contrary  to  the  general  opinion  that  gutta  percha  is  a simple,  hy- 
drogenous substance,  Mr.  Crane  (chemist  to  the  Gutta  Percha  Company)  found 
it  in  its  ordinary  state  to  consist  of  at  least  two  distinct  materials,  besides  a nota- 
ble proportion  of  sulphur — viz.  1.  A white  matter,  gutta  percha  in  its  pure  state  ; 
2.  A substance  of  a dark  brown  color.  Various  experiments  were  made  to  as- 
certain its  strength  when  mixed  with  other  matters,  and  also  as  to  what  pig- 
ments would  mix  with  it  without  rendering  it  brittle  or  deteriorating  its  quali- 
ties.  From  these  it  appeared  that  the  only  pigments  that  could  altogether  be  re- 
lied  on  to  use  with  gutta  percha  were  oi-ange  lead,  rose  pink,  red  lead,  vermilion. 
Dutch  pink,  yellow  ochre,  and  orange  chrome.  Under  the  influence  of  heat  and 
pressure,  gutta  percha  would  spread  to  a certain  extent,  and  more  so  if  mixed 
with  foreign  matters.  All  the  mixtures  composed  of  gutta  percha  and  other  sub- 
stances which  had  been  subjected  to  experiment,  except  that  containing  plum- 
bago, were  found  to  increase  its  power  of  conducting  heat ; biit  in  its  pure  state, 
gutta  percha  was  an  excellent  non-conductor  of  electricity.  The  best  composi- 
tion for  increasing  the  pliability  of  gutta  percha  was  that  formed  in  conjunction 
with  caoutchouc  tar,  and  next  in  order  that  of  its  own  tar ; and  the  best  material 
at  present  known  for  moulding  and  embodying  was  obtained  by  mixing  gutta 
percha  with  its  own  tar  and  lamp-black.  In  describing  the  process  of  manufac- 
turing gutta  percha  the  author  observed  that  rude  blocks  of  the  material  were 
first  cut  into  slices,  by  means  of  a cutting  machine  formed  of  a circular  iron 
plate  of  about  five  feet  in  diameter,  in  which  there  are  three  radical  slots  fur- 
nished with  as  many  knives  or  blades.  The  blocks  are  placed  in  an  inclined 
shoot,  so  as  to  present  one  end  to  the  operation  of  the  cutters.  The  slices  are 
then  placed  in  a wooden  tank,  containing  hot  water,  in  which  they  are  left  to 
soak  until  found  in  a plastic  state.  They  are  afterwards  passed  through  a minc- 
ing cylinder,  similar  to  that  used  in  paper  mills  for  the  conversion  of  rags  into 
pulp,  and  then  thoroughly  cleansed  in  cold  water  tanks  ; the  water,  in  cases  of 
impure  gutta  percha,  being  mixed  with  a solution  of  common  soda  or  chloride 
of  lime.  It  is  next  put  into  a masticating  machine,  such  as  is.used  in  the  manu- 


<h  .. 


'I 


20 


GUTTA  PERCHA. 


facture  of  caoutchouc,  and  then  pressed  through  rollers  ; thus  being  converted 
into  sheets  of  various  width  and  thickness.  When  necessary,  the  sheets  are 
again  masticated,  and  again  passed  through  rollers.  These  sheets  are  subse- 
quently cut  into  boards  by  vertical  knives,  placed  at  the  further  end  of  the  table, 
along  which  the  sheets  are  carried  by  a cloth  or  web  to  another  roller,  round 
which  they  pass  and  are  cut  into  the  required  widths.  The  bands  or  straps  are 
then  removed,  and  coiled  up  ready  for  use.  Driving  bands  for  machinery  are 
thus  made,  and  shoe  soles  and  heels  are  stamped  out  of  similar  sheets  of  gutta 
percha.  In  making  tubes  or  pipes,  of  gutta  percha  or  any  of  its  compounds,  a 
mass  of  gutta  percha,  after  being  thoroughly  masticated,  is  placed  in  a metal  cy- 
linder furnished  with  a similar  piston,  by  which  it  is  pressed  down  into  an  air- 
box,  kept  hot  with  steam,  which  has  at  its  lower  end  a number  of  perforations, 
through  which  the  plastic  material  is  forced  into  a cup,  whence  it  passes  out, 
round  a core,  into  the  desired  tubular  form,  and  thence  through  a gauge  to  the 
required  size,  and  into  a receiver  of  cold  water,  being  drawn  to  the  other  end 
of  a long  trough  by  a cord  passing  round  a pulley  at  the  far  end  of  the  trough, 
and  returning  to  the  person  in  attendance  on  the  machine,  who  gradually  draws 
the  pipe  away  from  the  air  machine.  Thus  tubes  of  considerable  length  and 
diameter  are  made  to  a very  great  extent,  and  are  used  for  the  conveyance  of 
watefand  other  liquids,  and  are  now  under  test  for  the  conveyance  of  gas.  The 
paper  next  explained  the  variety  of  articles  already  made  of  gutta  percha,  which 
weie  of  three  classes— 1.  Useful;  2.  Ornamental;  and  3.  Useful  and  Ornamen- 
tal combined.  Various  articles  were  then  exhibited,  including  two  very  hand- 
some shields,  and  a splendid  Communion  Dish  and  Service.  Mr.  Whishaw  next 
exhibited  the  Telakouphanon,  or  Speaking  Trumpet ; and  in  doing  so,  said  that 
speaking  tubes  of  gutta  percha  were  quite  new,  as  was  also  the  means  of  calling 
attention  by  them  of  the  person  at  a distance,  which  was  accomplished  by  the 
insertion  of  a whistle,  which,  being  blown,  sounded  at  the  other  end  quite 
shrilly.  Attention  having  been  thus  obtained,  you  remove  the  whistle,  and  by 
simply  whispering,  the  voice  would  be  conveyed  quite  audibly  for  a distance  of 
at  least  three  quarters  of  a mile,  and  a conversation  kept  up.  It  must  be  obvious 
how  useful  these  telegraphs  must  become  in  large  manufactories : and  indeed  in 
private  houses  they  might  quite  supersede  the  use  of  bells,  as  they  were  so  very 
cheap,  and  by  branch  pipes  could  be  conveyed  to  different  rooms : and,  indeed, 
if  there  were  no  electric  telegraphs,  they  might,  by  a person  being  stationed  at 
the  end  of  each  tube  of  three  quarters  of  a mile,  or  a mile,  be  made  most  speedi- 
ly to  convey  intelligence  for  any  distance.  In  private  houses  the  whistle  need 
not  be  used,  but  a more  musical  sound  could  be  produced.  He  then  amused  the 
auditors  by  causing  the  end  of  the  tube,  which  was  of  the  length  of  100  feet,  to 
be  inserted  into  the  mouth-piece  of  a flute  held  in  a person’s  hand,  regulated  the 
notes,  and  placing  his  own  mouth  to  the  other  end  of  the  tube,  “ God  save  the 
Queen”  was  played  at  a distance  of  100  feet  from  the  person  giving  the  flute 
breath.  Turning  to  the  Bishop  of  St.  David’s,  he  said  that  in  the  event  of  a cler- 
gyman having  three  livings,  he  might,  by  the  aid  of  three  of  these  tubes,  preach 
the  same  sermon  in  three  difierent  churches  at  the  same  time.  Mr.  Whishaw 
also  exhibited  the  gutta  percha  submarine  rope  or  telegraph,  which  consisted  of 
a tube,  perforated  with  a series  of  small  tubes,  for  the  conveyance  of  telegraphic 
wire,  and  which,  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  its  being  acted  upon  by  sea  water 
or  marine  insects,  was  banded  or  braided  round  by  a small  rope,  and  its  being 
perfectly  air-tight  would  render  it  quite  impervious  to  the  atmosphere. 


'J  ■'  » 


rne  GETTY  CENTER 
' 'RRARY 


OF 

THE  AMERICAN  GUTTA  PERCHA  COMPANY, 

IS  LOCATED  IN 

WATER-STREET,  BROOKLYN,  LONG  ISLAND, 

A FEW  RODS  EAST  OF  THE  FULTON  FERRY. 


The  Company  are  now  manufacturing  under  their  various 
Patents,  and  offer  for  sale  at 

No.  189  WILLIAM-STREET,  WASHINGTON  ^STORES, 

Patent  Machine  Bands  and  Driving  Belts,  Patent  Round 
Bands  for  Lathes,  Croton  Hose  and  Water  Pipes, 

Gas  Pipes,  Shoe  Soles,  Valves,  Boot 
Shanks,  Car  Covers.  Washers, 

Surgical  Instruments, 
d&c*  d&c* 

PURE  GUTTA  PERCHA  IN  SHEETS  FOR  SURGICAL  PURPOSES. 

ALSO,  FOR  SALE  TO  CONSUMERS, 


30,000  POUNDS  GUTTA  PERCHA, PURE;( 

With  rights  to  manufacture  under  the  Company’s  Patents, 
and  on  liberal  conditions. 

Apply  to 

S.  T.  ARMSTRONG. 


ICT  The  above  articles  are  also  to  be  had  of  the  Company’s 
Agents  in  the  principal  cities. 


